Schleck and O'Grady thrown out of race by team

Published>Wed, Sep 08 10 12:15 AM

Twice Tour de France runner-up Andy Schleck was thrown off the Tour of Spain on Tuesday for breaking team rules.

The Luxembourg rider was lying 77th overall before Tuesday's 10th stage. Australian colleague Stuart O'Grady was also sent home by Saxo Bank team manager Bjarne Riis.

"I acknowledge I have broken a rule of the team by going out for a drink after dinner and for that reason Bjarne has decided to send myself and Stuart O'Grady home," pre-race favourite Schleck told Cycling News.

"I'm responsible for my actions and even though I think it is too harsh a decision, I respect Bjarne is the boss and he needs to do what he thinks is best."

Riis said Schleck did not follow the rules and had to take responsibility for that.

"It doesn't matter if it was one drink or 10, or if he was out until five in the morning ... rules are made to be kept," Riis told reporters after stage 10. "That's how it's got to be."

TOO HARSH

When told Schleck had said the decision was too harsh, Riis replied: "He can say what he likes, it's what I had to do.

"I'm not here to give any explanations or further details. What actually happened will stay between us."

Riis said losing a top climber like Schleck on the eve of a major Pyrenean stage was a pity.

"We're all professionals, I have to be responsible for the team overall. When you do something in this life you have to assume the consequences," he added.

Riis said there was no plan for additional punishments for Schleck and O'Grady.

Frank Schleck remains in the race, lying 13th overall. He and his brother Andy have been linked in the media to a new team based in Luxembourg for 2011.

The Tour of Spain, which finishes on Sept. 19 in Madrid, was led by home rider Joaquim Rodriguez after stage 10.

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